Books about baby food

7 Best Baby Food Books – Healthy & Delicious Cookbooks (2022 Reviews)

Table of Contents

Updated on June 28, 2022 by Lyric Fergusson

Introducing solids is an exciting milestone for your little one, especially as they experience the delightful tastes and textures of their first foods. While some parents prefer to start with simple purees, others choose the baby-led weaning approach. No matter the technique, there are plenty of books that provide insight, guidance, and healthy recipes to get you started. So, snap on that bib and grab a spoon! Here are the seven best baby food books.

Best Baby Food Cookbooks

1. Simple & Safe Baby-Led Weaning by Malina Malkani
(Best for first-time parents — $)
Why it’s great: This book introduces readers to the concept of baby-led weaning, which encourages parents to let their little one lead the way through starting solids. This book offers a basic overview on how to get started, as well as a discussion on safe practices and healthy food options. Readers will also find a chapter on how to identify and prevent allergies and food sensitives early on.
Keep in mind: This book doesn’t have a lot of recipes, but rather guidance and insight on how to begin baby-led weaning.
Good for: Parents just starting solids with their little one as this is a great beginner’s manual.
View on Amazon.com ➜
2. Make-Ahead Baby Food Cookbook: Meal Plans & Recipes for Every Stage by Stephanie Van’t Zelfden
(Most practical — $$)
Why it’s great: This cookbook is practical and useful and takes the guesswork out of baby’s first mealtimes. Packed with useful advice on how to introduce solids, detect food sensitivities, and discourage picky eaters, this book also includes recipes, meal plans, and grocery lists. Designed to simplify parents’ lives, this book also provides guidance on batch cooking and freezing and reheating food for your baby.
Keep in mind: This book follows a staged approach to introducing solids, starting with purees.
Good for: Parents who like to plan as this book provides meal plans and recipes for cooking in advance.
View on Amazon.com ➜
3. What Mummy Makes: Cook Just Once for You and Your Baby by Rebecca Wilson
(Highest-rated recipes — $$$)
Why it’s great: One of the highest-rated baby cookbooks on Amazon, this book offers over 130 recipes for the whole family. Based on the logic that parents shouldn’t have to cook more than one meal for their family, this book is packed with quick, easy recipes that can be adapted for children as young as six months old. Parents praise this cookbook for featuring recipes that are easy to follow and delicious to eat.
Keep in mind: This book follows the baby-led weaning approach to starting solids.
Good for: Parents looking for some kitchen inspiration, not just for baby’s meals but theirs too!
View on Amazon.com ➜
4. The Big Book of Organic Baby Food by Stephanie Middleberg
(Most comprehensive — $$)
Why it’s great: Featuring over 200 kid-friendly recipes, this book focuses on organic and whole-food ingredients. Divided into chapters based on children’s ages and stages, this book covers all the developmental phases from infancy to toddlerhood and provides FAQs to guide your meal plans accordingly. Recipes include purees, smoothies, finger foods, and beyond, with over 70 recipes for the whole family to enjoy together.
Keep in mind: Some customers report that the puree recipes can feel a little repetitive.
Good for: Parents who want to explore different approaches and recipes when introducing solids as this book covers it all.
View on Amazon.com ➜
5. The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers by Anthony Porto M.D. and Dina DiMaggio M.D.
(Most informational — $$$)
Why it’s great: Written for first-time parents, this book is an all-inclusive manual that offers clarity, guidance, and peace of mind on feeding your infant solids for the first time. Written by two pediatricians, this book offers practical advice on nutrition, medical conditions, and parental concerns. Accessible and informative, this book also includes personal anecdotes and healthy recipes.
Keep in mind: This book doesn’t include as many recipes as other baby food books available.
Good for: Parents who have lots of questions about starting solids as this book provides up-to-date answers from a team of pediatricians.
View on Amazon.com ➜
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6. Super Easy Baby Food Cookbook by Anjali Shah
(Easiest recipes — $)
Why it’s great: This book offers over 150 recipes that are simple and nutritious and can be made in thirty minutes or less. Recipes include make-ahead purees, five-ingredient toddler recipes, and sample menus designed to fulfill the nutritional requirements for children ages four to eighteen months. Parents praise this cookbook for being well-organized and easy to follow.
Keep in mind: This book doesn’t feature as many pictures of the recipes included.
Good for: Parents who don’t have a lot of time to prepare complicated meals for their little eaters.
View on Amazon.com ➜
7. The Complete Baby and Toddler Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen Kids
(Best for the whole family — $$$)
Why it’s great: A baby and toddler cookbook from the popular series, America’s Test Kitchen Kids, this book offers countless recipes that have been tested and approved by kids, themselves. Recipes include purees, smoothies, finger foods, and family meals to share together. This book also includes recipes kids can help prepare as well as school lunch ideas for preschool and beyond. Chock full of pictures and easy-to-follow instructions, this book is praised for appealing to even the pickiest of eaters.
Keep in mind: This book offers less guidance on starting solids but does include recipes for babies.
Good for: Parents who need a cookbook to keep the whole family happy as this book features recipes for all ages.
View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

Simple & Safe Baby-Led Weaning by Malina Malkani

The Simple & Safe Baby-Led Weaning by Malina Malkani is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Baby Food Books

1. What age should I introduce solids?
For the first few months of life, babies get all the nutrients they need from breastmilk or formula. Most doctors recommend waiting to introduce solids until your little one is between four and six months old. You’ll know your baby is ready if they are able to hold their head up on their own, sit up with little or no support, and bring objects to their mouth on their own. If you’re not sure whether your little one is developmentally ready for solids, check in with your pediatrician.
2. What’s the best way to start my baby on solids?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says there’s no specific type of food that’s best to start with. You’ll want to use some baby-friendly utensils, and you’ll also want to count on things getting a little messy. Start with a very small amount of one ingredient, so as not to trigger your little one’s reflex response. Don’t worry if your baby spits it back out, it may take a few tries before they understand how to swallow what you’re offering. If your little one is extra hesitant, try mixing food with breast milk or formula for an easier transition.
3. What are the best foods to start with?
It’s best to start your little one with a single ingredient food, so as not to overwhelm their tastebuds. Fruit and vegetables are a great place to begin, followed by yogurt, pasta, beans, and tofu. Don’t forget to introduce peanut butter and eggs early on, too. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting allergenic foods before a child’s first birthday as this reduces the likelihood that they develop an allergy to that particular food.
4. What’s baby-led weaning?
Baby-led weaning is an approach that relies on following your infant’s lead on eating solids. Instead of feeding purees with a spoon, parents are encouraged to give small strips and slices of food. This allows babies to explore tastes and textures as they learn how to feed themselves. Proponents of the practice say that baby-led weaning promotes the development of motor skills and establishes a healthy relationship with food early in life.
5. What’s the best way to prevent choking?
The potential for choking is definitely the scariest part of introducing solids. To avoid any unnecessary risk, be sure to supervise your little one very closely during mealtimes. Cut food in appropriately sized pieces, and always make sure your baby is sitting down while they eat. In the beginning, stick to foods that are a little softer so your little one can easily mash them down to swallow.

Conclusion

Introducing solids doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. In fact, with the proper tools and guidance, it can be a fun (if messy) adventure for both you and baby. There are a variety of books on the market that feature delicious recipes that are easy-to-follow and quick to make. Some baby food books even include recipes for older kids and adults to make mealtime simpler and more inclusive. Most baby food books offer practical advice and helpful tips on introducing solids, and parents are sure to find a variety of titles that preach the baby-led weaning approach. While there’s no right food or process to start your baby on solids, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for potential allergies and choking hazards. Thanks to the wide selection of baby food books available, raising a little foodie has never been easier, and as their appetite grows, your recipe repertoire will too!

Top 10 Baby Food Cookbooks

Starting Solids

This book is a must-have for parents weaning baby and starting on solids for the first time. It’s loaded with simple, practical recipes and advice. It also does the meal-planning for you! You’ll learn how to put together ingredients, how to explore new tastes and textures and how to deal with feeding problems. From $20, Amazon

The Baby-Led Weaning Cookbook

With more than 130 recipes, this guide can help you feed baby from your own plate, so don’t have to serve separate meals for everyone in the family. $16, Kobo

First Meals & More: Your Questions Answered

This book definitely has the baby food newbie in mind. (We’re talking about you, not baby.) It’s got 50 fuss-free quick and easy recipes, plus tons of tips and helpful hints on what kids should eat and why they should eat it. Moms love it for the advice. Babies love it for the menu! From $25, Valore Books

Cooking for Baby

Here’s a cookbook that will carry you through each stage of solids. Cooking for Baby offers something wholesome, natural and fresh for every eater at each age. From grains and purées to finger foods, you’ll have it all. $20, Williams-Sonoma

The Petit Appetit Cookbook

Psyched about using healthy and all-organic ingredients in baby’s meals? Try this book, written by a mom for other parents who want to shy away from processed, preservative-filled foods. $17, Barnes & Noble

Sage Spoonfuls

We’re loving Sage Spoonful’s mix of cooking-from-scratch and using store-bought ingredients. Perfectly realistic for busy parents! This book gives details on everything from food allergies and nutrition to foods to avoid. Plus, there are hundreds of recipes that baby will love to eat — and that you won’t get stressed making. $25, Sage Spoonfuls

Parents Need to Eat, Too

Author Debbie Koenig’s book is a hilarious reminder that mom and dad need to eat. It’s filled with nutritious, delicious and satisfying meals for adults (that you can make with one hand!) with instructions on how to prep baby’s food from the same ingredients. The best part? Every recipe was tested and approved by more than 100 new parents! $12, Barnes & Noble

Super Baby Food

Take baby from his first bites of solid food all the way through age three with this super healthy vegetarian cookbook. It’s got advice to help you get the most out of the best wholesome foods for baby (whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, veggies, fruits and yogurt!). $5, Biblio

Top 100 Baby Purées

Nervous about making the transition to solids? This book will give you the confidence you need. Divided into sections that give you comprehensive advice on what baby should be eating at every age, Top 100 Baby Purees has informative facts on how to prep and store baby meals. $12, Target

The Healthy Baby Meal Planner

Start your menu planning here! Make your own baby food affordably and easily, and get healthy eating advice from infancy to age three. $4, Amazon.com

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Baby-Food Making 101 (It’s Easy, We Swear!)

New Parent Feeding Guide

Which Solids Are Safe for Baby?

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Carlos Gonzalez

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This is not a guide to getting your child to eat more. The central idea of this book is not to force a child to eat, never, for any reason and under no circumstances. Dr. Gonzalez, an experienced pediatrician and father of three, shows through rigorous scientific evidence that our ...

A Gift of a Lifetime

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This book is a complete and comprehensive guide to helping women who want to breastfeed. It covers in detail many topics related to breastfeeding: from the anatomy and physiology of the female breast to the growth of the baby in height and weight, from the technique of attachment to the breast to frequent. ..

My baby eats by himself. Lure with pleasure

Polina Kazimirova

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It's time to introduce complementary foods to your baby, and you are terrified that you will become a hostage to cereals and purees for a long time? Taught by bitter experience with the elder, have firmly decided not to arrange theatrical performances in order to feed the younger? Or are you looking forward to complementary foods, hoping that your baby will become like this...

First soup, then dessert

Maria Kardakova

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Maria Kardakova, nutritionist and mother of two children, gives useful, relevant and scientifically based recommendations on the correct children's diet - from birth to adolescence. You will learn what factors influence your child's food preferences, how to determine whether he is getting enough food...

My child eats by himself. Complementary foods with pleasure

Polina Kazimirova

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It's time to introduce complementary foods to your child, and you are terrified that you will become a hostage to cereals and purees for a long time? Taught by bitter experience with the elder, have firmly decided not to arrange theatrical performances in order to feed the younger? Or are you looking forward to complementary foods, in the hope that your baby will become like this. ..

Cooking for babies. Baby food from birth to school

Irina Pigulevskaya

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A huge number of recipes and recommendations for the nutrition of children from birth to adolescence awaits you on the pages of the book. The author tells all about the features of feeding children. From the first part of the book, you will learn all about the main varieties of complementary foods necessary for a full-fledged, bal...

Baby food. Various menus for every day from birth to five years

Tatyana Borisova

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This book popularly talks about the modern medical foundations of baby food from birth to five years. Much attention is paid to the first year of a child's life: mixed and artificial feeding, as well as feeding premature babies. Recommendations are given to the food organization...

Recipes for meals for children over one year old

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Maria Ivanova

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The author of the book “It's Tasty for Kids”, a mother of many children, Maria Ivanova, has been running a popular and useful blog on Instagram @mimikota_detki for several years. During this time, we have accumulated so many unique recipes that it's time to share. Maria does not just talk about useful products and their unusual ...

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In this book you will find many recipes that will make feeding your baby as comfortable as possible. A nutritionist's advice will help to gently adapt his digestive system to new foods, from the period of the first weaning to the age of three. Recipes for vegetable and fruit purees, milk porridge ...

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This section presents the top best books and audiobooks on the topic "Baby food". A complete list of 40 popular books and audiobooks on the topic, ratings and reader reviews. Read books or listen online on the site, download the application for iOS or Android, so as not to part with your favorite books even without the Internet.

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Baby food books - Encyclopedia Baby food

I have long wanted to write an article about books about baby food and what influenced me when creating the children's menu. Since the birth of my baby, a lot of literature on baby food has been read, videos on YouTube have been watched.

Some literature and YouTube upset, others inspired, but at the moment I can safely name only a couple of books on baby food that I have at home. They can be called cookbooks, but not books on feeding, although a couple of doctoral or excerpts from interviews are on the computer.

I didn't see in the books about baby food any reasoning similar to my thoughts. Basically, the basis of all books on baby food is our national program for healthy eating, which in turn builds on the recommendations of the WHO. Therefore, I can suggest that you simply read these two brochures very carefully, though interestingly.

Excerpts from an interview with pediatrician Yakovlev also had a very strong influence on me. I would really like to read his book on baby food, because I think it would be a worthwhile masterpiece. Komarovsky is also a very useful read, but just for familiarization, there is something that can be adopted, but not his whole concept of complementary foods.

You can also add magazines to baby food books. It is useful to read the Pediatrics magazine, where such interesting articles on complementary foods appear that you wonder, but for some reason they remain there. For example, I learned about this magazine from my pediatrician, so my thoughts from reading various literature almost completely coincided with her complementary foods policy.

Therefore, I sing praises to her on any occasion, because, as a doctor, she does not stop in conservative thoughts, but constantly develops. It is easy to hear from her what to read here, or she has her own brochures for some cases, for example, when there is not enough milk, a paper blank with recommendations. Thanks to her, I once experienced a milk crisis at 4 months, but this is such a retreat.

I've read Vysotskaya and learned only a little from her book on baby food, some of her recipes can be used. But in terms of healthy eating, I like Jamie Oliver or Ramsay more, they have interesting recipes for baby food, some I take in the original version, some have to be tweaked for the nutrition of a little man. Basically, I watched videos on YouTube, it’s very convenient, you can clearly see how to cook this or that recipe.

By the way, Jamie Oliver has a book on healthy eating.

I was also very strongly influenced by a book on one diet, but what does a small child have to do with it, you say, and moreover, if you discard the very idea of sticking to a diet, and simply use recipes for healthy eating, then you can diversify the baby’s menu and your own too.

There is also a site on breastfeeding, there are many articles on baby nutrition written by practicing pediatricians. A very helpful read.

Books about baby food that impressed me are described above, maybe something new will appear during the new complementary foods with the second child. But everything will be later, now only this. All books are posted in articles here, here and here.

If interested, download, if the link does not work, then write to VK or other social networks. The fact is that it is physically difficult to keep track of these links, over the past year I have updated them 2 times and still they get banned sometimes, so we just write, I can send an e-mail with a bonus from me.

Contents:

I try to write honest reviews of baby food books so that new parents don't waste money and precious time. Below is a list of reviews that are already on the site.

1. Baby food in the book "Love and Broccoli"
2. Baby food in the book Madeleine Denis "We eat with appetite"
3. Tasty tales if the child does not eat well.
4. My child does not want to eat. How to turn feeding into pleasure. Carlos Gonzalez.
5. How to wean a child from spitting food. Alexandra Vasilyeva
6. Food. The starting point. What will we become in the future if we do not change ourselves in the present? Wilson Bee
7. We eat tasty. From first feeding up to 5 years. Annabelle Carmel
8. The book "Food and the brain" David Perlmutter

Basic books or more precisely brochures (manuals) on baby nutrition:

- Feeding and nutrition of infants and young children;
- National program to optimize the feeding of children in the first year of life in the Russian Federation;
- HEALTHY NUTRITION GUIDE FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN FOR HEALTH STAFF.

Children's nutrition books to read:

1) Bill and Martha Sears' book, Your Baby. Everything you need to know about your child from birth to two years old ”;
2) The book "Children's food" more than 450 recipes for tasty and healthy dishes, Eksmo, 2007;
3) The book "Children's food from complementary foods up to 3 years" by Elena Kozhushko;
4) The book "The health of the child and the soundness of his relatives" Komarovsky E.O.;
5) The book "Modern aspects of children's nutrition" V.A.Belyakov, I.V.Popova, I.V.Lezhnina, A.V.Kashin, 2004;
6) The book “Handbook for parents. Feeding and nourishing a child from 0 to 5 years old with love and common sense. Ellen Satter.
7) The book “Practical advice. Children food." A.M. Grinkevich, G.Yu. Lazareva, O.I. Chapova
8) The book "Supernutrition for your child from 0 to 2 years." Ruth Yaron;
9) The book "We eat with appetite." Madeleine Denis;
10) The book "Children's kitchen." 1988
11) The book "Children's food" 1957, 1958
12) The book "Tips of a pediatrician.